Cytotransducers Visualize Functions of Living Cells

Lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) are now becoming standard technologies for transporting functional nanomaterials such as nanosensors and biomolecules. However, to tailor lipid-based NPs for various cells is still challenging, because of veiled cellular individuality. Herein, we present an unpreceded concept of "cytotransducers" to visualize live-cell functions. The cytotransducers are designed not only to contain desired functional nanomaterials but also to have designed physical characteristics to utilize cellular uptake preference. We evaluated cellular uptake preferences in cases of mono-/co-culture conditions. Then, we demonstrated a "well art" based on the designed collective cellular uptake. Finally, we demonstrate time-lapse visualization of cell-cell communication.